Dalton School Should Do Outreach in Wake of Epstein Scandal

By Zach Hiner
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
July 16, 2019

https://bit.ly/2M4sB7d

Given the pending prosecution of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, officials at the prestigious Manhattan school where he has been accused of inappropriate behavior should immediately start reaching out to find former students and staff that may have seen, suspected or suffered crimes by him. This is the best way that the school can help law enforcement keep Epstein away from other children and can potentially help alumni and drop-outs who might have been hurt and may still be suffering today in silence, shame and self-blame.

We believe this request is simple and straightforward. When institutions like schools and churches hire staff that turn out to be sexual abusers, they must take affirmative steps to help law enforcement prosecute those perpetrators. Schools have mailing lists, websites and other means to contact former staff and students,and now they should use their resources to seek out victims, witnesses and whistleblowers – for both prevention and healing.

The New York Times reported last week that Epstein was “willing to violate norms” in his interactions with Dalton students” and reportedly attended a party where students drank alcohol illegally. He claims he never had sexual contact with students but refused to answer if he did so after they had graduated. And Law professor and noted children’s advocate Marci Hamilton writes that “Epstein taught at the highly regarded Dalton School, where he left strong clues that there is something not quite right about the way he deals with girls.”

We hope Dalton’s board, administrators, alumni and staff will do all they can to find and help those once connected with the school who might have information that can be helpful to law enforcement or who may be in need of help and support themselves.